I Love K Food
I love Korean food
K food
Ever since I first
Encountered it in 1979
When I joined the Peace Corps
Korean food is somewhat like
Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai
With some American influences as well
and lately Mexican food and Turkish food
And Italian food have made an impact
But it is also unique
Distinctive
And delicious
The essence of Korean food
Is the complex interaction
Of the main ingredients
The aroma of chives, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, onion,
Eggs, oyster sauce, green onion, sesame oil,
Soy sauce, red pepper paste, tofu, vinegar, sugar
And other spices and herbs,
Creating a symphony of flavors,
Scents and umami spiciness
That stimulates my appetite
And make my mouth water.
Korean food is traditionally served
With steamed rice alongside
“banchan” side dishes
Including the famous Kimchi
Pickled fermented cabbage
And a main entry,
Either beef, chicken, fish, pork,
And often a savory stew as well.
One of my favorites is budaejijae
“army stew” that dates back
To the Korean war era
In a pot filled with kimchi, and tofu
Add some chicken, hotdog meat, spam
And often cheese and boil it all up
And serve over rice
Wash it down with copious
Amounts of Korean liquor
Soju drunk Russian style
Straight shots.
Copyright ©
Jake Aller
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